The Met Office has identified 22 towns and cities across the UK that are expected to experience heavy rain on Sunday, June 28, following a week of record-breaking heat. The warning comes after Wednesday, June 24, saw the highest June temperature ever recorded in the UK, with 35.7C measured in Charlwood, Surrey, surpassing the previous record.
Record Heat Gives Way to Thunderstorms
Britons have endured a severe heatwave throughout the week, with red and amber warnings in place for much of the country. However, a change in weather patterns is expected to bring relief, as cooler and fresher conditions move in from the west over the weekend. The Met Office's longer-term forecast for Sunday states: "Another hot day in the east on Friday. Fresher conditions gradually arriving from the west into the weekend, but this accompanied by spells of rain and thundery showers."
The 22 locations predicted to receive rainfall on Sunday include Aberlour, Portree, Tarbet, Ayr, Aberdeen, Jedburgh, Rochester, Stranraer, Rochdale, York, Burnley, Aberystwyth, Llandovery, Swansea, Bristol, Barnstaple, Weymouth, Teignmouth, Derry, Belfast, Ballymena, and Enniskillen. The rain is expected to begin in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Impact of the Heatwave
Met Office Chief Forecaster Matthew Lehnert commented on the severity of the heatwave: "This is exceptional heat for June with temperature records expected to be broken this week. Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting significant impacts from this heatwave, with health issues likely, even beyond those who are more vulnerable to the heat." He added that high humidity would make the heat feel even more potent, and overnight temperatures remaining above 20°C in large parts of England and Wales increased the potential for significant impacts.
The heatwave has already broken a 50-year record for the hottest June day, with the new high of 35.7C surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976. The Met Office has urged the public to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
Outlook for the Following Week
The unsettled weather is expected to persist into the following week. The forecast for June 29 to July 8 indicates: "Fairly changeable conditions at first with periods of rain and showers, and there could be some thundery outbreaks at times. The best of the drier and brighter weather initially will be across the southeast." However, a drier start to July is possible for many areas, though the northwest may still see rain and strong winds. Temperatures are expected to remain widely above average, with a chance of very warm or hot weather returning, mainly in the south.
